The season of sniffles is here! You know what that means…sneezing numerous times in a row and having to apologize for it…achoo…sorry! Super fun…not! If you feel like you are the only one struggling right now, think again! More than 20 million people in the U.S have reported experiencing seasonal allergies. Wow, that’s a lot of tissues!
What is a seasonal allergy? It is a type of allergy that develops when the body’s immune system is affected by something in the environment. It’s easy to mistake seasonal allergies with a cold, but there are noticeable differences. For example, you can get a fever with a cold, but not with seasonal allergies. If you feel uncertain, always consult with your doctor.
When it comes to symptoms of seasonal allergies, here are some signs to look for: sneezing, cough, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, postnasal drip, fatigue, and an itchy roof of the mouth. Some have noticed that their eyes produce a swollen, blue hue on their undereye.
Why do these pesky symptoms happen? One word, nature! Well, also pollen. Quick biology lesson everyone! Pollen is the good stuff that helps fertilize plants. If you have not seen pictures of pollen stuck to bee’s behinds, allow us to brighten your day!
Some causes of these allergies include trees, grass, flowers, and even weeds! There are also indoor allergens that can affect you! Dust and pet hair are the main culprits. As much as some of us despise pollen, we need it! Since you know, we kind of need plants…
So how can one get through these symptoms? It is as simple as keeping your windows shut! We are not kidding, according to ACAAI, they recommend shutting your windows at home and keeping your car windows up during allergy season. Another recommendation is to remove clothing that was worn outside and showering. Also, there are numerous over-the-counter medications that you can take to ease those symptoms!
In the end, seasonal allergies are going to be a constant presence in our lives, there is no escaping it. You can take your medicine, you can wear a mask, you can keep your windows closed, and always do what is effective for you! Good luck and have a good Spring sneez-on! (You see what I did there?)
